Evans on Jones-Machida: "I fully understand"

"I'm asking for the fans to support me as I rehabilitate my hand, and I promise I will be back fighting very quickly." - Rashad Evans

With today’s announcement of the UFC 140 main event between champion Jon Jones and challenger Lyoto Machida, former champion Rashad Evans will be forced to wait a little longer for his shot at regaining the belt due to a serious injury to his thumb which will not have him ready for the December 10th date.

"After my last fight against Tito Ortiz, I dislocated my right thumb, which required it to be set back in place and held with pins,” said Evans in a statement released on Thursday. “24 hours ago, my physician removed the pins. At that time, I learned that it would require another three weeks of rehabilitation before engaging in any exercise or training that would require the use of my hand.”

“(UFC President) Dana White and I spoke earlier today, and I fully understand his decision to put Machida against Jones for the title at UFC 140,” continued Evans, who has won three in a row, defeating Thiago Silva, Quinton Jackson, and Ortiz. “Given the rehabilitation time I require for my dislocated thumb, I would not be 100 percent ready by December 10. The UFC has to keep making fights that entertain the fans. I would have done the same thing as Dana in his position. I'm asking for the fans to support me as I rehabilitate my hand, and I promise I will be back fighting very quickly."

Chad Mendes gives cameras a peek inside his healthy hunter's lifestyle and his chicken coop while Conor McGregor stays loose with a hot tub and soccer ball. Welterweight Rory MacDonald gets in one last workout, and Robbie Lawler arrives in Las Vegas.

7-Jul-2015

Chad Mendes continues to train hard in Sacramento, motivated by the magnitude of the upcoming event. His opponent Conor McGregor does the same in Las Vegas, capping his day with a big-city display of fireworks.

6-Jul-2015

Chad Mendes trades the gym for a pool to test his endurance. Conor McGregor enjoys a poolside massage and adds a few unexpected weapons to his arsenal. Plus, Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald do some final prep at home.

5-Jul-2015

Headliner Conor McGregor heads to Los Angeles for an appearance on Conan. In Sacramento, Chad Mendes discovers that his phone number has been published. Back in Vegas, McGregor gets in some training, and Mendes watches his foe’s late-night appearance.